Support Services

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

The purpose of this communication is to conform to the legal responsibilities in ACT 35 and ACT 36, Integrated Pest Management, effective January 1, 2003, and make you aware of district processes relative to IPM.

Southern Lehigh School District uses and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for managing insects, rodents and weeds and our goal is to protect every student from pesticide exposure by using this approach. Our IPM approach focuses on making all school buildings, grounds and facilities and unfavorable habitat for these pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding places. We accomplish this through routine cleaning and maintenance. The pest monitoring team consists of our building custodial, maintenance, office and teaching staff. Pest sightings are reported to main office and our IPM coordinator who evaluates the "pest problem" and determines the appropriate pest management techniques to address the problem. The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, etc.

From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when absolutely necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When a chemical is necessary, the school and/or our contracted pest management company will use the least toxic product that is effective. Applications will be made only when unauthorized persons do not have access to the area(s) being treated. Notices will be posted in these areas 72 hours prior to application and for two days following the application.

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive this notification, you must be placed on the school's notification registry. If you would like to be placed on this registry, please notify the district via a signed letter indicating your child's name, address, and the school your child attends. Please include your email address if you would like to be notified electronically.

If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided by telephone to any parent or guardian who has requested such notification in writing. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and antimicrobial products, self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students, and gel-type baits placed in cracks, crevices or voids.